Risk factors for primary open angle glaucoma

Ninety-four individuals with well-documented glaucomatous visual field loss were matched by age, race, and sex to 94 controls. Both groups completed a detailed interview about past and current ocular and systemic diseases. We also ascertained medication, alcohol, and cigarette use. Blood pressure measurements were taken at the time of the interview. Diabetes showed the closest association with glaucoma [odds ratio, 2.80 (1.01,7.77]). A history of hypertension and/or medication use was not associated with glaucoma, but elevated diastolic blood pressure showed some association [odds ratio, 2.40 (0.85,6.81]). Separate analyses for whites and blacks showed diabetes to be a risk factor for both groups. Diastolic blood pressure and alcohol use appeared to be more strongly associated with glaucoma among whites, but these results should be cautiously interpreted because of the small numbers available for subgroup analysis.